Brown Earth Soils

Brown Earth Soils

1. Zonal soil - 40 -60 degrees N - Most common soil in Ireland

2. Colour

   • Darker soils more fertile
     • Climate and parent material will influence this
       • Brown earths dark - High humus, mild climate
         • Prevalent in Kildare, limestone as bedrock

3. Texture

   • Loam texture, even mix of materials
     • Subject to Freeze Thaw ocassionaly
       • Chemical weathering can also impact

4. Humus Content

   • Benefits?
     • Leaves falling in Autumn - Decompose in soil
       • Humification accelerated by organisms in soil
         • Light rains wash humus into soil - increased fertility

5. pH of the Soil

   • Generally vary from mild acidic - mild alkaline
     • Moderate acidic rainfall can increase leaching
       • Areas with limestone can be mildly alkaline (Kildare)
         • Podzolisation could create acidic soils

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